Frequently Asked Questions for Students

What types of accommodations are offered to students with disabilities?

Accommodations offered take into consideration the recommendations found within the student’s official documentation and what is deemed appropriate for the college setting which may include accommodations for the classroom, testing, housing/facilities, mobility, and others based on the student's disability needs.

As a student with a disability leaving high school and entering postsecondary education, will there be differences in my rights and how they are addressed?

Yes. Section 504 and Title II protect elementary, secondary and postsecondary students from discrimination. Several of the requirements that apply through high school are different from the requirements that apply beyond high school. For instance, Section 504 requires a school district to provide free appropriate public education (FAPE) to each child with a disability in the district's jurisdiction. Whatever the disability, a school district must identify an individual's education needs and provide any regular or special education and related aids and services necessary to meet those needs as well as its meeting the needs of students without disabilities. Unlike your high school, your postsecondary school is not required to provide FAPE. Rather, your postsecondary school is required to provide appropriate academic adjustments as necessary to ensure that it does not discriminate due to a disability.

Do I have to inform UMHB that I have a disability?

No. However, if you want academic or other accommodations, you must identify yourself as having a disability. Likewise, you should let the school know about your disability if you want to ensure that you have accessible facilities. Your disclosure is always voluntary.

My doctor says I should get unlimited time for taking tests. Why has Disability Services only granted me extended time?

The university has the responsibility under Federal law for ensuring access to their programs and activities by students with disabilities. Disability Services has the authority to determine reasonable, appropriate adjustments to ensure equal access because they have the knowledge, credentials, and experience to do this. The office often uses medical or other professional documentation provided by the student as a basis for making such decisions but they are not required to exactly follow the recommendations made in the documentation provided.

Does UMHB allow the use of Service and Support Animals for students?

The University provides appropriate adjustments to enrolled students with a documented disability (including commuter students and students living in campus housing). Residence Life allows Service or Support Animals to live with students in their on-campus residence upon approval by the Student Counseling, Testing and Health Services and in accordance to the University's policy. Advance approval and documentation verifying a disability are not required for a Service Animal that is clearly doing work or performing tasks for the benefit of an individual with an obvious disability (such as blindness, mobility-impairment).

What is the difference between a Service Animal, Support Animal, and pet?

The University defines a Service Animal as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Other animals, whether domestic or wild, do not qualify as Service Animals.

Support Animals (sometimes called "Therapy Animals") are NOT Service Animals even if prescribed by a physician or therapist. While they may be considered for access to University housing, Support Animals are generally NOT permitted in other areas of the university.

A pet is an animal kept for ordinary use and companionship. A pet is not considered a Service Animal or a Support Animal. Individuals are not permitted to keep pets on campus including in University housing, other than fish in an aquarium.